FLINT, MI -- The attorney for a Flint teen said his client was actually the victim of an attempted armed robbery when 21-year-old Laventez Phipps was killed in Mt. Morris Township in March.

Darshaun Demond, 17, is charged with open murder, felony murder, armed robbery, carrying a concealed weapon and felony firearm after officials say he shot and killed Phipps March 9 outside a home on Nasser Street off Coldwater Road.

Demond was bound over to Genesee Circuit Court to face trial on the charges Wednesday, April 10. He could face up to life in prison if convicted.

Attorney Michael Ewing, who represents Demond, said he believes the evidence in the case shows that his client was actually the victim of an attempted armed robbery when he allegedly shot and killed Phipps.

Ewing said he believes Demond was at the Nasser Street home to sell Phipps a gun when Phipps turned the tables and, using the gun, demanded his money back from Demond.

However, police have said the two got into an argument and Demond shot when he was trying to rob Phipps.

Ewing said the only eyewitness to the killing, Phipps' sister, was behind Phipps at the time of the incident and would have no way of seeing what actually transpired.

"I think she's trying to protect her brother," said Ewing.

According to Genesee County probate court records, Demond was accused of
having a handgun in March 2012 and was arrested in the break-in of a
Flint home in November 2011.

Demond is currently being lodged in the Genesee County jail.

No court date has been scheduled for the case in Genesee Circuit Court.